Download this Image

Image Description

This fascinating relief comes from a set of stupas considered to be "pre-Ashokan." The Dharmarajika stupa is close to Taxila, Pakistan. The relief recounts the story of the Buddha's conversion of naga king Apalala which can be found in the Mularsavastivada Vinaya . The term 'naga' in Buddhism refers to serpent and dragon deities, but also has an extensive history outside Buddhist literature, particularly in the Mahabharata. The tale of Buddha's venture into Apalala's palace recounts a typical battle of good vs. evil, or Buddhist vs. non-Buddhist. The Buddha ultimately surrounds Apalala with flames and insists that he repent his ways. Notice the cobra head-pieces on Apalala and his surrounding followers, and the images of naga deities above attempting to throw clods of dirt at the Buddha.

Brought To You By

Sponsor Logos

Thank you for downloading the The Buddha converts the serpent Apalala E-Card.